County Executive’s Office

About the Census

Every 10 years, the federal government is required to count all residents in the United States, citizens and noncitizens alike, through a national census.  The next national census is in April 2020. The information is used to make sure everyone is equally represented in our political system and that government resources are allocated fairly. It is also used to make important decisions about community programs and services, like where to build homes and parks, establish public transit routes, build new roads and offer language access services.

San Mateo County 2020 Census Self-Response Rates

Residents in San Mateo County began receiving their invitations to respond to the U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Questionnaire mid-March.  Data is available from the Census Bureau about how the residents of our county are responding, and that will be reflected in the maps and data shown below, updated every Friday. The Census officially ended October 15th, at 11:59pm Hawaiian Standard Time.

The three cities within San Mateo County with the highest self-response rates (percentage of households that have responded) as of October 15th are listed below.  If you would like more detailed information visit our Census Response Page here.

October 15th, Self-Response Rate (%)

1. San Carlos: 85.6%
2. Hillsborough: 83.4% and Belmont: 83.4%

Questionnaire Assistance Locations

Due to the Shelter in Place directive, the questionnaire assistance locations are temporarily closed.  We will post updated information on April 6th.  In the meantime, you may still receive help or support by calling the US Census Bureau multi-lingual telephone lines, listed here.

Counting Kittens and the 2020 Census

Take the Census Now!

Click here to go to the US Census Bureau's 2020 census questionnaire!

Lawn Sign Requests

Request your lawn signs here! ​The Office will be scheduling individual pick-up time appointments on Wednesdays, between 10am-1pm, or by special appointment on other days. Show your support of the 2020 Census!